I just received sad word about the oldest bow hunter I know. This picture was taken at the 2006 MOJam gathering.


(Forwarded message from Bill Wright of Wisconsin Traditional Archers):

Guys, I just wanted to let you know Fred passed away April 9th in San Diego. He had a bleed in his brain and just could not over come the effect. We thought after a few days he might pull through but I guess it was just too much.

Tom, I don't know if there is space or time for the next Stump Shooter but I wrote a small tribute to Fred that I would like to send you to review. I also have a couple nice pictures.

Fred touched so many of us and he was loved.

I just wanted to let you know and to also see if we could get something in our next Stump Shooter. By the way, tonight we had our monthly meeting at Big Foot and I made a motion that we name our Traditional Shoot after him. With so many at Big Foot knowing and caring about him it passed resoundingly. From 2008 on our Trad shoot will forever be called "The Fred Kasch Traditional Shoot".

Regards,
Bill


(Note from Brad Merkel who sent me the message):
 
The world of Traditional archery has lost an icon, and our Creator is sure to get a refresher on how to twist a perfect flemish string!....sad days......God bless you Fred, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Little Tree

Lennie posted this last week, there are a few more pictures of Fred. The man will surely be missed.

http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,6584.0.html

I had the pleasure of meeting him year before last at the Great Lakes Longbow shoot. He was having a grand time shooting the 3D course. My condolence's to his family and friends.

              Brent

Bill is taking this really hard. Keep the Faith bill. Sad when you lose someone. But smile when know you will see them agian.<><

So sorry to hear this. Prayers sent.

Still have a Case Kiska broadhead Fred donated and I "won" in an auction for the Wis Trad Bowhunters.  As I recall, Fred donated a number of things for those auctions.  He also gave a blanket invitation to come over and he would pass on his knowledge about building a selfbow.  That was something I put off and now I find I put it off too long.   He lived a pretty adventurous life.  Listening to his stories was great fun.
ChuckC

Fred was certainly an inspiration to all who met him.  He shared so many stories, memories, knowledge and skills so willingly.  What a wonderful treat it was to have had an opportunity to know him.  He will be missed greatly by us all.

This needs to be at the top for the weekend crowd. I had the pleasure of meeting Fred twice at Mojam. The last time he spent over an hour with me telling stories and talking selfbows. I pray that those closest to him are able to enjoy the fact that they were able to share in a life well lived. Godspeed Fred.

With this much respect evidenced for someone i never met, I feel I'm the worse for that...

Prayers for his family and all who will miss him.

Prayers sent for his family and friends...

Sad news.....prayers for the family.

Somebody posted that pic of him at Mojam once before, him standing there in a white shirt and "tie", and I was so taken by him that I saved it to my hard drive. I wish I could have met him and heard his stories.

Killdeer

He was a cool old dude for sure. I have talked with him at Cloverdale and Mojam for the last 8 years. Always had time to talk to a kid.

BTW his key to good health advice was (paraphrasing here) "Don't eat junk, don't drink pop, drink lots of water, and keep moving."

prayers ....sad indeed...marco

Hello Guys, I don't know what more I could say. I know I am going to miss fred last year at the GLLI I shot my last round of 3-D with him he still shot very well. I also shot many of osage selfbows that he made I took  some of pics of him and I I just hope I can find them know. I can't thank of anymore to say then I would just like to say Thanks Fred for all the help you gave me.rest in peace my good friend. Last year he wanted me to fly over tp his home in wic so he could show me how to make a longbow I for some reason put it off ant time I called him he wanted to know if I found out if I could come over to his home I never went I though it would be to much for him. Now I wish I would have gone. am so happy that I go to meet him and shoot with him. I myself would almost call him my step granddad. he was always there to talk or to help me with any thing I need help on.
Cody

Cody, that is what it's all about. You are so fortunate to have had a relationship like that. Lots of kids never do.

When you are an old codger, I know that you will make the time to talk with and mentor a youngster like Fred did. Thank you for posting, it came straight from the heart and you said it very well.

Killdeer